The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-11-05

man? Not for the world. I went to my own room to devise some costume at once beautiful and yet different from all the rest, striking, but modest. After much anxious thought I de- cided to represent a violet, shy and lovely, and immediately set myself to work for the realization of my idea. It was not difficult task, because was as skillful with my needle and scissors as with my pen. I was not slow or stupid. And this was the re- suit made perfect violet out of dark blue brocade just large enough to cover the front of my waist. The skirt was of light t-blue satin bordered with violets to match the one above. l invented a head-dress to resemble the same flowers, which fitted closely around my face, the greatest beauty of which was it's perfect oval, so that the silken decoration was wonder fully becoming. To complete the costume, cut out and made a large green leaf, behind which I intended to partially conceal my face; and as l had an unfailing fund of coquetry, you may imagine that leaf played as ef- fective part as any Spanish woman's ian. l stood hours before the glass practicing shy, modest airs and glances, all for Leonard Ashton's ben- eft. had real violet eyes, the rar- est in the world. They looked like rich purple velvet. Perhaps you'll find that hard to believe, but I have cried so much since came here that have washed out nearly all the color.
 "I would not tell Mary what 1 was making, and when she saw me dressed for the party, she said: 'That is a lovely costume, Minna, but you'll have to practice for some time if you want to play the role of bashfulness and innocence.'
 I never undertake what 1 cannot carry out was my confident reply, and the result proved that my confi- dence was not misplaced. 1 no sooner entered Mrs. Meade's drawing room than l was surrounded, as usual, but the crowd annoyed me, as I was anx- ious to attract Leonard Ashton's mo- tice at once. 1 was not disappointed. He very soon desired an introduction, and having obtained it, repeated smil- ingly the lines: "A violet by messy stone,' etc. And his flattering gaze said more than his words.
 "l cast down my eyes with an as- sumption of bashfulness and, raising the leaf, tried hard to blush behind it.. Then suddenly lifting my downcast eyelids, inquired with the most in- nocent air in the world, 'are you fond of violets2'
 "'More so now than ever,' he re- piled with marked emphasis, and kept him by my side the whole even- ing, enjoying wickedly the envious looks of the other girls.
 "The next morning Mary said You played your part very well, Minna, but you cannot keep it up long enough to make sure of Mr. Leonard. Your true nature will betray yoursclf' Sis ters say such pleasant things.
 "If you mean that l never shall be able to win his love- 1 answered, you are greatly mistaken, for he offered himself and l accepted him last night. Then raising my finger, displayed the costly diamond ring he had trans ferred from his hand to mine the night before.
 "She looked completely astonished, really awestruck, 1 think, as she real ized the powers possessed for fascin- ating the other sex. I hope you will be happy she finally said.
 "Happy? No words can express my perfect bliss. Everyone is not en- dowed with such capabilities as had. Unfortunately such natures have the same capacity for sorrow as well. But no misgivings troubled me then. Young, beautiful and beloved by the most glorious of men! And o, how loved him in return! Loved? No, worshipped Leonard Ashton, compar- ing him in my girlish fancy to all the heroes and gods of old. The Iliad' had always been my favorite poem. would read it through, and then begin and read it again with renewed inter- est, much to the wonderment of the other girls who called it horrid What profundity there is in girlish criticisms. Mary said she did not like it, although it was cute. Good heavens! I wonder Homer did not rise from his grave! And the young critic who lisped called it silly. Think of a girl with lisp daring to criti- else Homer! I just looked at hel from head to foot, and she told ths next one she met that Minna Wash. bourne was the most disagreeable girl she ever saw. The 'Iliad' silly! Crue it may be, but it is the account of ( war, and are not all wars cruel? Tn, description of the death wounds SC minutely given had terrible fascina. tion for me. And also thought tn, repetitions which many complain of c..lH